In a surprising twist to recent social media speculation, the Nigerian Senate has officially debunked reports claiming it approved the creation of 12 new states, dismissing the circulating documents as entirely fabricated.
During plenary on Tuesday, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), speaking under Order 42 of the Senate Standing Orders, categorically denied the existence of any such legislative decision, emphasizing that no committee report or bill on state creation has been considered by the 10th National Assembly.
“It is imperative to inform Nigerians that the Senate has not, for now, decided on any committee’s report on the creation of states,” Ningi stated.
“As a member of the Committee on Constitution Review, I can categorically say we have not received any zonal hearing reports. We haven’t even convened to deliberate on any such bill.”
Ningi further discredited social media images and posts allegedly showing Senate committees meeting to allocate resources for the supposed new states, calling them “pure fiction.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio supported the clarification, affirming: “No state has been created by the 10th National Assembly. I urge the public to disregard any such claims.”
The Senate’s denial follows the widespread circulation of a false report on July 18, 2025, which claimed that the Senate had approved the creation of 12 new states after adopting a committee report.
The now-debunked report even listed the alleged new states by region: South West: Ijebu (from Ogun), Ibadan (from Oyo), South East: Anim (from Anambra/Imo), Adada (from Enugu), South South: Toru-Ibe (from Ondo/Edo/Delta), Obolo (from Akwa Ibom), North East: Savanna (from Borno), Amana (from Adamawa), North West: Tiga (from Kano), Gurara (from Kaduna), North Central: Okura (from Kogi), Apa (from Benue).
The viral report had sparked intense public debate, with some Nigerians celebrating the supposed development and others questioning its feasibility and constitutional process.
The Senate’s firm denial highlights growing concern over fake news and misinformation, particularly when related to sensitive constitutional matters like state creation, which requires extensive legal procedures, public consultations, and constitutional amendments.
Lawmakers have now urged citizens and media outlets to verify information through official channels and avoid amplifying unverified reports.
“This is a serious national matter,” Senator Ningi said. “We must all act responsibly to protect the integrity of our institutions and prevent the spread of disinformation.”
